If you’re looking for luxury at the most magical place on earth, look no further. These resorts will have you feeling like Disney royalty.
Disney World is not a cheap vacation to begin with, so why not go all out on your hotel as well? There are an abundance of fancy stays near and on Disney property, but in no particular order, these five are our absolute favorite deluxe resorts.
1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
The Grand Floridian is averages around $850 a night for a standard room. The ambience, you’ll find, is what makes this hotel completely worth it. The entire site is elegant and sophisticated, with beautiful architecture and lovely rooms and suites. The amenities are simply to-die-for, our favorite being the Grand Floridian Spa, where guests can feel rejuvenated after a few long days of walking in the parks, in that unforgiving Florida heat. There are luxury poolside cabanas available for rental, so families can relax while dip in one of the Grand Floridian’s serene pools.
If you want some extra Disney magic after leaving the parks, it’s got you covered with weekend movie nights under the stars. Working out might not be the first activity on your vacation to-do list, but once you see the state-of-the-art training equipment at this resort, you might think twice.
If you’re feeling hungry, head on over to one of the Grand Floridian’s many eateries, ranging from upscale dining to casual poolside bars. If you can make the reservation, we highly recommend the Chef’s Table at Victoria & Alberts. It is very exclusive at $450 per person but the menu is truly out of this world. If you’re looking for a more laid-back dining option with delicious food, go to Narcoossee’s for a meal on the water, or Cítricos for a meal underneath the London sky inspired by Mary Poppins. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is in close proximity to Magic Kingdom, and is the perfect stay if you’re looking for a deluxe experience.
2. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort has a standard room rate of about $620 per night. This modern resort is ideal for Magic Kingdom lovers, as you can literally walk to the main gate. Yes, it’s really that close. If you’d rather take the monorail for the amazing scenery, that is an option as well.
This resort has magnificent heated pools amongst views of the marina and white sand beaches. If “relaxation” isn’t in your vocabulary, feel free to zoom down the 17-foot winding water slide and make a splash! Poolside cabanas for rental include a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, resort phone and mini fridge. It’s like your room away from your room. Disney’s Contemporary also has weekend movies under the stars and a beautiful gym. If you’re more of a cardio person, there is a jogging trail on resort property that comes in just under one mile.
Hungry from all that working out? Take a trip to Steakhouse 71 for some delicious protein, or if you’re like us, you can fill up on sides. All of the sides. They’re unforgettable. What’s even more unforgettable, however, is the iconic Chef Mickey’s located inside of the resort. This is a buffet-style breakfast, brunch and dinner location, that can be viewed by Disney-goers passing by on the monorail. So yes, you’ll feel pretty cool as the people passing by wish they were eating Mickey waffles along with you. With all of the deluxe resort amenities, Disney’s Contemporary resort is truly exceptional.
3. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is inspired by rustic national park lodges, and honors the beauty of nature. Here, the beauty of the great outdoors awaits you. Explore nature trails through pine forests, night time campfire activities, and the view tranquil creeks throughout the property. Coming in at a standard rate of $535 a night, this is our cheapest option on the list.
For a playful pool experience, hop into the Copper Creek Springs Pool, where thrill seekers can thrive on a 74-foot waterslide. If that’s not your scene, melt into the satisfyingly calm Boulder Ridge Cove Pool. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go fishing at this resort!
After hitting up the jogging trails and full-service fitness center (with a sauna,) satisfy your hunger at one of the establishments themed dining locations. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is the ideal restaurant for family dinner. Families can enjoy a hearty meal while hanging out with Snow White and everyone’s favorite squad, the seven dwarfs. The dining here is more casual than the aforementioned resorts, but just as delectable. For nature-loving, fun families, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is the unmatched fit.
4. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Venturing outside of Magic Kingdom resorts, we’re heading to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in the EPCOT resort area. The average price per night for a standard room will run you about $670. Giving the atmosphere of a New England-style yacht club, this lakeside resort is the place to be if you love to venture on the water. Three acres of aquatic fun is just waiting for you here.
From the immersive pool with a sandy floor, to a pleasantly relaxing lazy river, to three whirlpool spas, you’ll never want to leave the poolside. Disney move nights are offered every single night here, so the magic never ends. Bring your little ones to go mini golfing at Fantasia Gardens and Fairways courses. A total of 36 enjoyable yet challenging holes, and the perfect activity for days you won’t be attending any parks. After, you can head over to Lafferty Place Arcade for some wholesome family fun.
For dinner, Ale & Compass Restaurant is the place to be. From strip steak to pappardelle pasta to a bacon cheddar burger, there’s a bite for every palate. If you’re wanting to satisfy a sweet-tooth, take a trip to Beaches & Cream Soda Shop and get an indulgent ice cream sundae that just can’t be beat. This resort really caters to every type of Disney vacationer, which is why it’s so ideal for families.
5. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
For a standard room, Walt Disney World can be about $870 per night, but we’ve seen rooms with a theme park view for up to $1,400. Although these numbers can genuinely make you do a double take, we just could not exclude this iconic resort from our list. The theming is unlike any other Disney deluxe resort, practically perfect. This stay celebrates the beautiful spirit of the South Pacific, decorated with tropical palm trees and lush greenery.
The Polynesian’s 142-foot-long water slide is for thrill seekers who can’t wait to drop into the refreshing Lava Pool. If you’re looking for a more leisurely experience, drift into the Oasis Pool, where on the Oasis Patio, delicious food and cocktails can be delivered right to your seat. If you’re feeling really tired from the parks, make an appointment at Senses, the Polynesian’s full-service spa that will have you feeling brand new.
When hunger calls, answer at ‘Ohana, serving breakfast and dinner, this dining option is a staple and so delicious. Adults can head over to Tambu lounge for some late-night drinks and Hawaiian-inspired appetizers as well. The dining at the Polynesian is really unbeatable. Its proximity to Magic Kingdom is a total win, and this stay will be a blast for the whole family.
Well, there you have it. Our top five most luxurious resorts on Disney World property. If you’re balling on a budget, feel free to check out our article Disney World’s Most Affordable Resorts. We hope this list can help you make your stay as magical as it can be!
